Botox Lip Flip: How Many Units Will You Need for Best Results?

Dosage Guide & Before/After Results

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ

For a Botox lip flip, how many units are needed for best results?

Whether you're considering a subtle lip boost or lip rejuvenation, knowing how many units of Botox you need is key. Using too many can cause temporary side effects, while too few may not give the lift you want.

Most people need 4-6 units of Botox for a lip flip, but the exact Botox dosage you may need depends on factors like muscle strength, lip shape, and injector technique.

In fact, there are 5 key secrets that can make or break your results—things most people don’t realize affect how Botox works.

I’ll cover those secrets below, plus, share my own before and after results.

Botox lip flip how many units are needed for best results.

If you've ever wanted a little boost for your lips without committing to expensive filler injections or lip augmentation, a Botox lip flip might be the perfect solution.

This quick, affordable treatment enhances your pout without adding volume.

What is a Botox Lip Flip procedure?

First things first, let's break down what exactly a Botox lip flip entails.

Before and after illustration of Botox lip flip results.

Unlike traditional dermal fillers that add lip volume, a lip flip works by relaxing the muscles around your mouth. This causes your top lip to gently curl upward and your lower lip (if you get injections into the lower lip) to curl out and slightly downward.

This helps create the illusion of fuller lips without actually adding any volume. It's a non-surgical procedure that's quick, easy, and delivers natural-looking results.

Benefits of Botox lip flip for fuller lips

Unlike traditional lip fillers that provide volume, the Botox lip flip is a non-invasive lip enhancement technique that lifts and shapes the lips subtly. It's a simpler alternative to other lip augmentation procedures.

For someone like me, with naturally thin lips and a small mouth, this was the perfect solution. It helps define the shape of the lips with a more natural look than lip filler injections. 

Fin out 10 broader benefits of Botox beyond the lip flip. 

How many Botox units are needed for a lip flip?

When it comes to a Botox lip flip, the number of units required can vary based on your facial structure, desired effect, and the expertise of your injector.

The typical dosage range is 2 to 10 units, but most people need between 4 and 6 units for noticeable results.

Keep in mind that this is just a general guideline. Your injector will determine the exact dose based on your individual needs.

But here are some things to consider…

5 Secrets for the best Botox lip flip

Want a natural-looking, long-lasting lip flip? These 5 secrets can make or break your results.

1. Muscle Strength:

  • The muscles around your mouth play a role in how much Botox you need. If you often use straws, whistle, or purse your lips, your muscles may be stronger, requiring more units for the best lip flip results.

2. Lip Shape and Size: 

  • The shape and size of your lips can also affect how many units are needed for a Botox lip flip. Those with thinner lips may need slightly more Botox to achieve a noticeable lift, while fuller lips may require fewer units for a natural enhancement.

3. Multiple Lip Fillers:

4. Desired Lip Flip Results:

  • If you're seeking a more dramatic enhancement, you'll likely need more units of Botox compared to someone who just wants a subtle lip lift. The final look depends on your personal goals and the strength of your lip muscles.

5. Ethnic Differences in Facial Structure:

  • Facial anatomy varies from person to person which can affect how Botox works. For example, studies show that some Asian facial structures have slightly different muscle patterns requiring adjusted Botox placement for optimal lip flip results. A skilled injector will tailor both the injection sites (where Botox is placed) and technique (how it’s injected, including depth, angle, or amount) to enhance your natural features.

But a word of caution here: It's always better to start with a smaller amount of units and asses the appearance of the lips after a week or so. If you're not happy, you can always get another injection. Why? See Side Effects below ...

A skilled injector will be able to assess your unique facial anatomy and recommend the appropriate dosage for optimal results.

Make sure to tell them your goals and your desired lip shape. Your age, medical history, and experiences with past Botox injections can also affect how many units are used.

What to expect during a lip flip procedure

Before and after Botox lip flip with 4 units.On my left, you can see the two dots where Mandi injected 2 units of Botox. Now, she's injecting 2 units on my right side. Note: I opted for an upper lip flip only.

Getting a lip enhancement treatment is a relatively quick and straightforward process.

  • Your injector will start by cleaning the treatment area and may apply a topical numbing cream for added comfort. Note: I didn't need numbing cream.
  • Using a thin needle, they'll carefully inject the Botox into specific points along the upper lip (two injections on the left and two on the right).
  • You may feel a slight pinch or sting, but the discomfort is minimal and short-lived.

The whole procedure took less than 5 minutes.

Lip flip: After care, recovery, and results

There's typically no downtime involved, and you can resume your normal activities right away. The biggest issue I experienced was two small red dots at the injection sites. Which is easily covered up with makeup.

lip flip RIGHT after injection.This is the extent of my recovery from a lip flip. Two small blood dots on either side of my lips.

After Care:

  • Don’t touch or rub the treated area for 24 hours to prevent Botox from spreading.
  • Avoid exercise, sun exposure, and saunas for 24-48 hours to reduce swelling or bruising.
  • Skip alcohol and blood thinners for a few days to minimize bruising.
  • Use ice packs as needed to reduce swelling and discomfort.
  • Limit exaggerated lip movements for the first few days to let Botox settle properly.

How fast does a Botox lip flip start working?

Results:

Full effects typically appear within 7-14 days as your lip(s) curls outward. You might feel the change before it's visible. Just be patient, it will happen!

Below is my after picture, taken 8 days post-injection.

Looking back, I could have had more units for extra projection, but I’m happy with my results. At my age, subtle improvements always look better than going big. 😉

And that’s the beauty of starting small—you can always add more!

My Botox lip flip injection being administered for lip enhancement.My Botox Lip Flip results. This is the result of getting 4 units injected into the upper lip.

FAQ: Botox lip flip: How many units

Q: Who’s not a good candidate for a lip flip?

A: Botox lip flip might not be the best choice if you have very thin lips or want dramatic volume. In that case, lip fillers may be a better option.

💡Wonder if fillers will stretch your lips over time. Find out the truth about whether lip fillers permanently change your lips.

Q: How long does 4 units of lip flip last?

A: The duration of a lip flip's effects can differ from person to person. While online sources may suggest it lasts around 4-6 months, many individuals report noticing the effects fading between 4-6 weeks. Personally, I've found that it typically lasts about 6-8 weeks for me.

Q: Can you get too much Botox for lip flip?

A: Yes! That's why it's important to see a qualified injector who has experience with this cosmetic procedure. Remember, it's always better to start with a small amount and add more. However, if you get too many units, you'll have to wait for the botulinum toxin to wear off, which can several weeks. See potential side effects below.

Q: How fast does a lip flip kick in?

A: Full results are usually seen in about 7 days. But, sometimes you may feel the lip curling upward in a few days. I do.

Q: How can I make my Botox lip flip last longer?

A: Avoid massaging the area, minimize intense lip movements for 48 hours, and consider regular touch-ups.

Q: Does it affect kissing?

A: Yes, a lip flip can potentially affect kissing by slightly altering the movement and sensation of the lips. But, most people adjust to it and have no problems.

Q: Who's not a good candidate for a flip?

A: People with allergies to botulinum toxin, certain medical conditions, unrealistic expectations, or active infections in the treatment area. It's important to check with a qualified medical professional if you have any of these issues.

Question: What is a Russian lip flip?

Answer: A Russian lip flip targets more muscles than a regular lip flip. The Russian technique involves injecting Botox into multiple areas around the upper lip, including various muscles that affect lip movement and contour. This broader targeting creates a more defined, lifted appearance.

In contrast, a regular lip flip usually focuses on a few specific spots along the upper lip, mainly relaxing the orbicularis oris muscle to achieve a subtle flip and fuller look. So, the Russian lip flip involves a more comprehensive approach to shaping the lip.

Question: What is a lip flip 5 units all about?

Answer: That's where 5 units of botulinum toxin are injected into the lip area. This is considered a normal dose for most people.

Question: Is 4 or 6 units better for a Botox lip flip? 

Answer: It depends on your lip muscle strength and desired results. 4 units is a subtle flip, while 6 units provides more lift.

Question: How much Botox do I need for a lip flip vs. a lip filler? 

Answer: A lip flip typically requires 4-6 units of Botox, while lip fillers involve dermal injections to add volume.

Question: How long does a Botox lip flip last?

Answer: Results last around 2-3 months, but longevity depends on metabolism and muscle activity.

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Potential side effects

Side effects are common in this cosmetic treatments, but they're usually rare and mild. They include:

  • temporary bruising or swelling at the injection sites
  • mild discomfort or tenderness
  • difficulty drinking from a straw or puckering your lips

These subside within a few days and can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs.

Note: Having 4 units injected into the upper lip, I did not experience any of these side effects. Remember, results will vary from person to person.

Rare but Severe Side Effects

Receiving more units than needed may lead to rare but severe side effects, such as:

  • over-relaxation of muscles, affecting facial expressions
  • asymmetry in lip appearance, resulting in an imbalanced smile
  • difficulty speaking and eating due to muscle impairment
  • potential loss of sensation in the lips
  • longer recovery time with prolonged swelling and discomfort

How long does lip flip last

Typically, a lip flip lasts around three to four months, though for some people it could last up to four months.

Why the difference?

Several factors can affect how long it lasts, including:

  • the speed at which your body metabolizes the Botox
  • how strong or active your lip muscles are
  • and the injection technique utilized

But, the best way to maintain and prolong the results, is to get touch-up treatments every few months.

Note: In my experience, getting touch-ups can make your results last much longer. That means you won't need as many injections, and you won't have to get them as often. And it's not just true for lip flips—it works for Botox injections in other parts of your face too.

How much does it cost

Generally, a lip flip is not expensive. But prices vary depending on where you live and who does your injections.

Also, the cost of a lip flip procedure can vary depending on the type of neurotoxin used (e.g., Botox, Dysport, Xeomin), the amount (units) of product required.

My cost, at the time of injection, was $15 per unit of Botox. So, IMO, $60 for adding a little more pucker to my pout is not bad.😉

More beauty lip tips

If you're thinking about a Botox lip flip for fuller lips, don’t forget to nourish them! Try this DIY lip balm recipe to keep your lips soft, hydrated, and healthy between treatments.

Want to keep your lips looking youthful naturally? Check out these anti-aging lip care tips for simple ways to reduce lip wrinkles, boost lip hydration.

Takeaway: Botox Lip Flip - How many Units?

If you're looking to enhance your lips with a subtle touch, a Botox lip flip could be the perfect solution.

With just a few Botox units (typically 4-6), you can achieve fuller-looking lips and a more youthful smile, without the commitment or cost of lip fillers.

Some injectors also use a microdosing technique, starting with just 2-3 units and gradually adding more for natural-looking results without compromising movement.

No matter what you read online about Botox lip flip dosages, the best approach is to consult with a qualified injector who can tailor the treatment to your unique lip shape and goals.

With the right dosage and technique, a Botox lip flip can enhance your overall appearance and boost your confidence.

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About the Author:
Linda Robison is a Facial Fitness Specialist and the founder of Anti-Aging Beauty Zone. She shares expert insights on skincare, facial rejuvenation, and beauty treatments—blending traditional wisdom, personal experience, and science-backed research for both at-home and in-office solutions.

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